Showing posts with label 2021 Legislature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2021 Legislature. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Ala Wai project back on the table, legislative leaders want to curb governor's emergency powers, assaults on nurses worry union, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Kayaks on the Ala Wai ©2021 All Hawaii News

Ala Wai project back on the table to develop a new flood risk management plan. A new plan for the controversial Ala Wai Flood Risk Management project won’t emerge until at least 2023. However, on Wednesday, the first of a series of virtual public meetings will restart the clock on the two-decades-old project. Star-Advertiser.

Citing COVID response, legislative leaders push to curb governor’s emergency powers. As the pandemic drags on, along with emergency rules on everything from travel to masks, there’s a renewed push to curb the governor’s powers. Legislative leaders in both parties say Hawaii’s chief executive shouldn’t have the sole discretion to declare an emergency and they’re backing plans to put new limits on that power. Hawaii News Now.

Federal Funds Will Be A ‘Shot In The Arm’ For Hawaii’s Infrastructure. Much-needed improvements to coastal highways, bridges, airports and broadband topped the list of priorities as Hawaii officials prepared to spend an anticipated $2.8 billion in federal funds after Congress passed a historic infrastructure bill. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.

New international travel rules could bring slight bump in Japanese visitors to Hawaiʻi. New COVID-19 rules for international travel kicked in across the country on Monday, opening the borders to fully vaccinated visitors with negative tests. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii sales of high-end properties could get a boost as international travelers return. With wealthy buyers from the U.S. mainland helping Hawaii’s luxury real estate market take flight, the return of international visitors is expected to create additional runway for what is already shaping up as an unprecedented market. Star-Advertiser.

Are You a Laid-Off Hotel Worker? Hawaii’s Education Department Wants You. State education officials are partnering with Unite Here Local 5 to match unemployed hospitality workers with jobs at public schools facing labor shortages. Civil Beat.

Longtime SMS chairman retiring, selling business. Hersh Singer, 74, is preparing to hand over the reins after 35 years with the Honolulu-based research and consulting company. SMS plans to announce today that Singer is retiring Dec. 1 and has sold ownership and management of the company to former Kailua native Tim Carson. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sees 94 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 85,139. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 39 new cases on Oahu, 33 on Kauai, 17 on Hawaii Island, and eight on Maui, but three previous cases of Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state were removed from the count. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Union: Lack of security to blame for worrisome rise in assaults on Queen’s nurses. The Hawaii Nurses Association says workers at the Queen’s Medical Center are being assaulted by patients ― and that the lack of security at the hospital is to blame. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Ward Village developer reports ‘robust’ luxe condo tower sales. The developer of the Ward Village condominium tower community in Kaka­ako has sold most of its next planned luxury tower while also seeking buyers for a moderate-priced project to be sold by lottery.  Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Commissioner Is Stepping Down To Allow More Diversity. Honolulu Police Commissioner Michael Broderick said he won’t seek reappointment when his term runs out in December and is urging Mayor Rick Blangiardi to use the opportunity to diversify the commission. Civil Beat.

Kalihi Uka Elementary is 1st Hawaii public school to offer COVID-19 vaccine to keiki ages 5-11. Kalihi Uka Elementary today hosted the state’s first public school-based COVID-19 vaccination clinic for 5-to-11-year-olds in partnership with Safeway Pharmacy, according to the Hawaii Department of Education. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Drive-thru keiki COVID shots offered at Aloha Stadium. Hawaii Pacific Health is offering drive-thru COVID- 19 vaccinations for kids at Aloha Stadium this weekend. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island


Slow progress on PONC: Committee created to expedite land stewardship grants.
The commission charged with overseeing land set aside for preservation has created a subcommittee to unravel problems in contracting with nonprofits to maintain the properties. West Hawaii Today.

Green light for Waianuenue: Road restoration slated to begin in February. Hawaii County in September awarded a $10 million contract to Jas. W. Glover Ltd. for a rehabilitation project on Waianuenue Avenue that will extend from Kaiulani Street to the upper intersection of Rainbow Drive. Tribune-Herald.

Keiki vaccinations underway on Big Island. In addition, more than 130 public, private and charter schools in the state are offering vaccinations to keiki ages 5 to 11, according to Brooks Baehr, Department of Health spokesman. Schools will not be listed online, because most vaccines will be limited to students. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

South Maui District Office Opens to Public. The new Kīhei District Office gives South Maui residents a nearby place to stop in, connect to the business of the County Council, and receive essential information for being citizens engaged in the Council’s legislative process. Maui Now.

UHMC announces new office, employees.
The University of Hawaii Maui College recently announced the creation of a new Enrollment Management Office and two new employees that will assist with improving student recruitment and retention. Maui News.

Kauai

County TAT payments for monthly filers due Nov. 20. The county implemented its new Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) on Oct. 1, and the first deadline for monthly payments are coming. Garden Island.

County announces Kaua‘i Made fair schedule. The Kaua‘i Made program offers a wide range of these products, including apparel and accessories, artwork, crafts, food, floral, health and beauty products, jewelry, publications and more. Garden Island.


Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Lawmakers grill state over low-cost leases of public land, Honolulu mayor approves removal of Stairway to Heaven, Ige holds firm on no fans in stands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Statewide GIS Program. 2017
Government owned land in Hawaii, Statewide GIS Program. 2017

Lawmakers grill state Land Board over below-market rents for state properties. The director of the state Land Board was asked tough questions Tuesday about whether the department is wasting money by charging below-market rents. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Land and Natural Resources officials say audit veered from original scope. Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources were prepared to talk about contracts related to leased state lands but soon realized that state Auditor Les Kondo intended to go beyond what they thought the Legislature wanted from Kondo’s 2019 audit, DLNR officials Tuesday told a special House Investigative Committee that’s investigating Kondo and his office. Star-Advertiser.

State Ethics Commission Looking For New Executive Director. The state Ethics Commission is looking for a new executive director after Dan Gluck, the current head of the agency, announced his resignation. Gluck was appointed director of the Ethics Commission in 2016 after the Legislature selected the previous director, Les Kondo, to be the state auditor. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian education programs are awarded $28 million in federal funds. The grant money, part of the American Rescue Plan and the Native Hawaiian Education Program, will support 35 programs that offer Hawaiian-language services, professional development. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Whistleblower Lawsuit Claims Hawaiian Airlines Covered Up Sexual Assaults, Security Failures.
A Hawaiian Airlines spokesman called the allegations “stunningly inaccurate.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 423 new coronavirus cases as hospitalizations drop to 357. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 338 new cases on Oahu, 23 on Maui, 41 on Hawaii island, 14 on Kauai, five on Molokai and two Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Gives The Go-Ahead To Remove ‘Stairway To Heaven’. The City Council included $1 million for the project in its budget this year, but Mayor Rick Blangiardi had to agree to release the funds. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige stands firm on no-spectators policy for University of Hawaii sports.
Gov. David Ige said today there is no change in the no-spectators policy for University of Hawaii sports, including for Saturday’s home football game at the on-campus Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Teachers rally for more COVID safety measures at Leeward Oahu schools. Members of the teacher’s union, concerned parents, and community members picketed Tuesday afternoon outside the Kapolei State Office building. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Rides for vaccinations: County, Uber partner to provide transportation for shot-seekers. Hawaii County’s Mass Transit Agency is partnering with Uber to provide access to rides to and from COVID-19 vaccination appointments in as part of the county’s Hele-On Get Your Shot! campaign. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

State senator: Plan to designate Maunakea occupiers as ‘homeless individuals’ is unacceptable. Two Oahu legislators have asked the state Department of Hawaiian Homelands to halt any plans to forcefully remove protesters who remain on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Ethics Board retracts Van Pernis vote. Now that Mark Van Pernis is no longer a commissioner on the Leeward Planning Commission, the Board of Ethics on Monday retracted a prior finding that he violated the ethics code. West Hawaii Today.

Charter school project back before land panel.
The Windward Planning Commission is set to decide whether to grant a special permit for Connections New Century Public Charter School to build a new campus on about 70 acres of state land in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Charter Commission to Consider Proposing Ranked-Choice Voting. The Charter Commission is evaluating substantial changes to our county’s Charter, and at its last meeting voted to propose a Charter amendment to create three voter districts within the County. Maui Now.
 
Amazon Founder Donates Stock Valued at More Than $500,000 to Feed My Sheep. Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos has donated stock valued at over $500,000 to Feed My Sheep, a mobile food pantry serving Maui island-wide. Maui Now.

Businesses wrestle with vaccine mandate. Maui businesses are wrestling with the new upcoming county vaccine mandate as establishments say it will put a burden on them to turn the unvaccinated away. Maui News.

Sub-Actions Underway to Fulfill Molokaʻi Destination Management Action Plan. Fourteen “sub-actions” are underway to fulfill the Moloka‘i Destination Management Action Plan approved in December 2020 that aims to rebuild, redefine and reset the direction of tourism over a three-year period, according to an update by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Kauai

Controversial Kauai Glamping Resort Hits Stumbling Block. A bill that would foil the planned luxury campground on a Princeville golf course got the green light from county planning commissioners. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Kapa‘a school bus routes affected by driver shortage.
Kapa‘a Middle and Kapa‘a High School parents were notified that beginning on Tuesday, three bus routes would be suspended, affecting 155 students. The two drivers on these routes have chosen not to drive due to a new state mandate that requires government contractors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or test weekly. Garden Island.


Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Vaccination passport requirements kick in, state auditor grilled under subpoena, BYU defies gathering laws, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Auditor Les Kondo

State auditor Les Kondo and office are subjects of House investigation. For the first time in his five-year tenure, state Auditor Les Kondo was subpoenaed to appear before a special state House Investigative Committee on Monday and testified under oath about separate audits that found two state entities bungled economic opportunities to better manage state lands. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Legislator Joins Board of Education on Interim Basis.
Lyla Berg, who owns a leadership consulting company, will serve at least through June. Civil Beat.

No shutdown planned for Hawaii, Gov. David Ige says. Gov. David Ige said Monday that there won’t be another full-scale shutdown in Hawaii, despite the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the islands that have strained the resources of hospitals and prompted the governor earlier this month to sign an executive order shielding health care facilities from liability if they have to ration critical care. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now.

Monday marks day one of the new vaccination mandate for all state contractors and visitors at many state facilities. Under the new rules, private employees working on state property need to be vaccinated or provided weekly negative COVID tests. Hawaii News Now.

State Appears Lax In Reviewing The Cases Of People Sitting In Jail Awaiting Trial. But prison officials say they already comply with a 2019 law that requires reviews of all pretrial detainees every three months. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 461 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 72,352. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 311 new cases on Oahu, 32 on Maui, 82 on Hawaii island, 27 on Kauai, two on Molokai and seven Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s homelessness strategy for Honolulu falls flat. The foundation of Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s homelessness strategy was built on two promises: He assured the public that he would end sweeps of encampments and replace police with social workers to address nonviolent 911 calls. Now nine months into his term, neither promise has been fully realized. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu over halfway to reaching housing goal.
The city is a little over halfway to its goal of establishing 300 households by the end of the year through the Oahu Housing Now program. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu restaurants adapt to new COVID-19 rules.
Restaurants are adjusting to new dine-in requirements for patrons who must now present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to be seated. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Fitness members take new COVID-19 rules in stride. Monday was the first day of the Safe Access O‘ahu program where all patrons must show proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or negative test result to enter bars, restaurants, gyms, movie theaters and recreational settings such as bowling alleys, arcades and archery ranges. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Anonymous tip leads police to illegal ‘block party’ on BYU campus. An anonymous tip led Honolulu police to a party with hundreds of people in Laie over the weekend. It happened Friday night on the campus of BYU Hawaii, violating the city’s gathering restrictions. And it appears school officials gave the event the go-ahead. Hawaii News Now.

OCCC is fighting outbreak of more than 100 infections. More than 100 inmates and an employee at the Oahu Community Correctional Center have tested positive for COVID-19, a cluster of infections that the state Department of Public Safety is working quickly to contain before it spreads into the community. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Tours to USS Arizona Memorial on hold as repairs to shoreside dock continue
. Boat rides to the memorial are still suspended. Operations were stopped at the beginning of the month when crews noticed a safety issue with one of the shoreside docks at the visitor center. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

State ponders Roth’s request to publicize list of those in quarantine
; Ige says ‘it’s a balancing act’. The state is evaluating a proposal from Mayor Mitch Roth to publicly identify individuals who opt to quarantine after arriving on the island, Gov. David Ige said. Tribune-Herald.

Ethics board clears council members.
The Board of Ethics unanimously cleared five County Council members of wrongdoing Monday following two complaints on unrelated issues. West Hawaii Today.

A family with ties to the Big Island hopes to support sustainable agriculture with a new dairy operation in Ookala. Chad and Stephanie Buck of Oahu recently purchased the assets of the former Big Island Dairy, which had been owned by Steve and Derek Whitesides since 2011 and was located on land leased from the state. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Visitor Industry Prepares for Proof of Vaccination Requirements
. On Wednesday, Maui launches the similar "Safer Outside" program, though there will not be a COVID-19 testing option for patrons as there is on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

County’s Solid Waste Division audited, morale in question. Ineffective leadership and unfair practices were noted as two causes of low morale in the county’s Department of Public Work’s Solid Waste Division, a new audit confirmed. Garden Island.

DMV to close early on Sept. 16. The Motor Vehicle Registration division of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be closing at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16, to accommodate a staff training. Garden Island.


 

Monday, August 23, 2021

COVID crisis could bring new travel restrictions, cases hit record high, vaccine mandates spread to Capitol, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 


Tougher Hawaii travel restrictions possible as COVID-19 surge continues. State and county officials are considering bringing back COVID-19 testing for vaccinated domestic travelers, as well as implementing other requirements aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Vaccine Mandate For State Lawmakers Is Unusual.
The Hawaii Legislature will be one of the few in the country to require all of its members and staff to be fully vaccinated or submit to weekly Covid-19 tests. Civil Beat.

With COVID cases at an all-time high, leaders worry about Hawaii’s rural communities. State leaders are showing their concern for rural and suburban areas where COVID cases are on the upswing, and the vaccination rate has plateaued. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kaiser Resumes Paying All Covid Costs In Hawaii As Hospitalizations Rise. Kaiser Permanente is bringing back its cost waivers for Hawaii members who need medical care for Covid-19 as the state scrambles to deal with rising coronavirus-related hospitalizations. Civil Beat.

A New Hoteliers’ Group Hopes To Overcome Hawaii’s Backlash Against Tourism. The Hawaii Hotel Alliance is joining the isle landscape of tourism industry associations. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines gets call to assist with Afghanistan evacuation mission.
Two Hawaiian Airlines aircraft are among 18 activated by the Defense Department as part of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet to help with evacuations from the international airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, the Pentagon announced Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Could Soon Have Its Own Domestic Garlic Industry. Researchers say Hawaiʻi has the potential to support a domestic garlic production industry despite climate challenges and import competition from the U.S. mainland. Hawaii Public Radio.

COMMENTARY: Gov. David Ige’s handling of COVID-19 hobbled by indecision, inadequate staffers. Moving into our second year of the COVID-19 crisis, you can question whether the rising number of cases, especially those requiring hospitalizations, warns of the end of Gov. David Ige’s ability to run the state or is just a brief bump in the road. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hits record at 893 new COVID-19 cases.
Sunday’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island included 596 new cases on Oahu, 83 on Maui, 158 on Hawaii Island, 37 on Kauai, 11 on Molokai and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu mayor Rick Blangiardi outlines plan for spending $386M in federal aid. Mayor Rick Blangiardi published a draft of his plans for the $386 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds that he must submit to the Honolulu City Council for approval. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu's daily COVID cases are forecast to peak at 3,700 in October. Monique Chyba, a mathematics professor generating regular forecast models of COVID-19 cases, forecasts daily coronavirus cases in Honolulu continuing to grow past 1,000 in September and peaking to about 3,700 cases Oct. 8 if the state remains on course with its current level of mitigations and vaccination rates. Star-Advertiser.

The Navy Is Betting On Wave Energy Research.
The military and civilian researchers in Hawaii have stepped up efforts to harness the powerful waves and ocean currents off Oahu as a source of renewable energy. Civil Beat.

Affordable senior housing complex set to rise in Moiliili. A cluster of nearly century-old homes in Moiliili is slated for demolition next month to make way for high-density affordable housing serving seniors with low incomes. Star-Advertiser.

Why Police Are Supposed To Tell Prosecutors About Dishonest Cops. The U.S. Supreme Court says the accused has a right to know about officers who have credibility issues. But Honolulu defense attorneys say they’re often left in the dark. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police whistleblower alleges retaliation, discrimination in suit
. A Honolulu police detective alleges investigators delayed the pursuit of a missing baby by more than 48 hours and then retaliated against the detective when she tried to bring the negligence to light, according to a civil complaint. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Lee Loy hit with ethics complaint
: Kailua-Kona business owner alleges conflict of interest in building code bill. A Kailua-Kona business owner has filed an ethics complaint against Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy, alleging she has a conflict of interest in voting on recent construction code measures because her daughter works for HPM Building Supply, which could benefit from provisions streamlining inspections of factory built housing. West Hawaii Today.

Rental assistance program awards more than $4 million. A countywide rental assistance program has issued more than $4 million to county residents and will be extended until the middle of next year. Tribune-Herald.

Crews back to work on Kalanianaole Ave., but frustration lingers. Hawaii County Public Works Director Ikaika Rodenhurst told the Tribune-Herald that the contractor, Goodfellow Bros. has been back on site since July 12 and is working on drainage for the project. Tribune-Herald.

Council postpones North Kona subdivision votes. An Omaha, Nebraska, couple seeking to rezone and subdivide their North Kona property will have more time to meet the neighbors after the County Council on Wednesday postponed a decision so the owners could address community concerns. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Museum aims to expand property, programs.
The Maui County Council’s Planning and Sustainable Land Use Committee on Thursday recommended a proposed bill by a 7-0 vote that would ultimately extend the expiration of a conditional use permit another 26 years and expand the A&B Sugar Museum property about 2 acres for additional uses and activities in the master plan. Maui News.

Surfrider Cleans 1,200 Pounds of Trash from West Maui Beach. An estimated 1,200 pounds of trash was cleaned up from West Maui’s Awalua Beach on Saturday, in an effort organized by Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter. Maui Now.

Kauai

Jobless rate drops to 9.6%.
The county’s unemployment rate continues to move toward pre-pandemic levels, according to a recent report from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Garden Island.

KPD makes gambling arrests. The Kaua‘i Police Department, along with the U.S. Marshals Service, executed search warrants and arrest warrants on an industrial complex in the Kawaihau District that contained an illegal game room. Garden Island.

Friday, July 9, 2021

Over-tourism, new hotel taxes mulled as Hawaii reopens, jail COVID lawsuit heard in federal court, Gluck tapped for appellate court judge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

©2021 All Hawaii News www.allhawaiinews.com
Kauai's Waimea valley ©2021 All Hawaii News

How Neighbor Islands Are Working To Address Overtourism In Hawaii. Amid a post-pandemic tourism surge, Hawaii’s counties are rethinking their reliance on the visitor industry with new laws meant to stem the flood of visitors. Civil Beat.

Federal Court Case: Corrections Officials Botched COVID-19 Response In Prisons. Corrections officials have botched the COVID-19 pandemic response so badly in Hawaii’s prisons and jails that the state is violating the constitutional rights of the inmates, attorneys for the inmates told a federal judge on Thursday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Legislature amends 3 vetoed bills, overrides 1. The drama and uncertainty over efforts to amend and override Gov. David Ige’s record number of vetoes came to an end Thursday after the state House and Senate voted unanimously to amend three bills and essentially kill a fourth one to address Ige’s initial concerns. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.

Behind closed doors: Reapportionment Commission could become less transparent. A powerful commission tasked with redrawing political boundary lines for Hawaii’s state and congressional districts appears headed for more secrecy than in previous years, with the formation of private permitted interaction groups in lieu of publicly held committee hearings. West Hawaii Today.

Ige Appoints Dan Gluck To Intermediate Court Of Appeals. Gov. David Ige has appointed Dan Gluck, the director of the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, to fill a seat on the state Intermediate Court of Appeals. Gluck’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. Civil Beat.

HDOT Outlines Actions to Protect Seabirds Following Threat of Lawsuit. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation today outlined a list of actions it has taken recently to protect endangered seabirds at harbors and airports.  Maui Now.

The Statewide Effort to Turn Filmmaking into Hawai‘i’s Next $1 Billion Industry. Talent, training and financial incentives are driving a new era of filmmaking, TV and digital media production in the Islands. Hawaii Business magazine.

China service expected to lift Matson profit. Another giant wave of profit is expected to hit the balance sheet of Matson Inc. as the local ocean cargo transportation firm continues to ride swells of demand for service from China. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports 75 new COVID infections; 1 additional fatality. Of the new cases Thursday, 42 were on Oahu, eight on Hawaii Island, six on Kauai, and seven on Maui. There were also 12 residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Oahu eateries, bars can now fully reopen if they ask for vaccine cards or negative COVID tests. Oahu restaurants and bars can now do away with social distancing if they ask their patrons for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. Eateries that don’t must still keep a 6-foot distance between parties, limiting their capacity. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Federal CARES Act dollars will fund new effort to beef up police presence in Chinatown. A new effort to beef up the police presence in Chinatown will be paid for using federal CARES Act funds. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he approved $2 million of CARES Act appropriations to pay for the overtime of officers working foot patrols. Hawaii News Now.

Ethics Commission Quietly Drops Kealoha Investigation As Questions Swirl. In February, after a closed door meeting, the commission voted unanimously to drop its ongoing investigation into the retired police chief and his former prosecutor wife, citing their federal convictions in 2019 for conspiracy, obstruction of justice and other crimes. Civil Beat.

Ann Botticelli Moves Forward in Confirmation Process to Honolulu Police Commission. Ann Botticelli is moving further in her confirmation process to the Honolulu Police Commission, a seven-member body nominated by Honolulu mayors and confirmed by the Honolulu City Council. Hawaii Public Radio. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Olympic swim team enjoys a crowd of 300 fans as they practice at Punahou. The U.S. swimmers leave for Japan on Monday. For the past two weeks, they’ve also trained at two other pools here. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Decommissioning plan approved for Hoku Kea. As part of the requirements for the planned construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, Hoku Kea is one of five telescopes slated for removal from the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

PUC hearing on Honua Ola tentatively set for January. The state Public Utilities Commission has reopened the docket for Honua Ola Bioenergy, formerly known as Hu Honua, the nearly completed biomass power plant in Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

BLNR to mull proposed Kahalu‘u Bay surf school rules. The number of surf schools allowed to operate and students in the water at Kahaluu Bay would be spread throughout the day under draft rules proposed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. West Hawaii Today.

Endangered bird found on Maunakea for first time in nearly 70 years. University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers announced Thursday that they located an ‘ua‘u — a seabird also called the Hawaiian petrel — at a nesting site on Maunakea in May, the first time one has been recorded on the mauna since 1954. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, DLNR to Remove Hundreds of Goats From National Park. Goats will be trapped and removed live from the park, which will close on Aug. 11, 2021, to distribute these animals to permitted members of the public. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Maui


Bill to slice short-term rental permit caps advances. After hearing about two hours of mixed testimony, the Maui County Council’s Planning and Sustainable Land Use Committee gave the green light to a bill that would cut the amount of short-term rental home permits allowed on Maui. Maui News.

Maui County seeks a new visitor hotel tax that could rake in millions more. Maui County officials are rushing to impose new visitor accommodations taxes after the state legislature overrode a controversial veto by the governor this week. Hawaii News Now.

Restrictions on Plastic Disposable Foodware Outlined in Proposed Maui Ordinance Amendment. The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management has scheduled an online public hearing at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 14, 2021, to consider proposed amendments. Maui Now.

Visitors Asked to Use Permitted Tours to Mitigate Visitor Impact on Hāna Highway. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is advising visitors to East Maui to join a tour from a permitted tour company instead of driving on their own along the Hāna Highway or visiting other areas on Maui. The suggestion is the latest recommendation made by visitor industry officials amid an increase in tourism, illegal parking along the scenic route, and unsafe pedestrian crossing along the highway. Maui Now.

Kauai

Council approves mediation program, housing vouchers. As the state barrels toward the lifting of the eviction moratorium, the county is setting up a landlord-tenant mediation program. Garden Island.

Hotels: ‘Resorts Bubbles’ kept guests happy, island safe. The Kaua‘i resort bubble program burst Thursday in coordination with the county’s move to Tier Five of its six-tier COVID-19 guidelines chart. Garden Island.

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Hawaii opens its gates to travelers, Health Department whistleblower sues state, Kauai water rights case heads to Supreme Court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Safe Travels Special Projects Administrator Sherilyn Kajiwara

Fully Vaccinated US Travelers Can Bypass Quarantine, Testing Requirements. Fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. and its territories can bypass quarantine and COVID-19 testing if they possess one of three federally recognized vaccination documents. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. Tribune-Herald.

State leaders question need to market Hawaii as vaccination exemption adds to a travel surge. The leaders of the state House and Senate are saying that tourism marketing is no longer needed given the summer surge, and invited the Hawaii Tourism Authority to figure out what role it should play in managing tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Travel Rules Are Ending But Restrictions On Other Businesses Linger. Although the hospitality business has opened fully and bounced back substantially, driven by a daily average of more than 32,000 passenger arrivals per day so far this month, some industries remain hamstrung by restrictions limiting things like the size of gatherings and social distancing requirements. Civil Beat.

Whistleblower sues state after being fired by Hawaii Health Department. A former Hawaii Department of Health epidemiologist who exposed deficiencies within the department’s COVID-19 contact tracing program last year is suing the state alleging that she was fired in late May in retaliation for speaking out. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

More detailed school COVID reports mandated. A bill that requires the state Department of Education to publish a weekly report enumerating COVID-19 cases on school campuses is now law despite Gov. David Ige’s veto of the measure. Tribune-Herald.

Come January 1, it will be legal for private citizens in Hawaii to own a Taser. On January 1, it will be legal for private citizens in Hawaii to own a Taser. It’s one of the laws that emerged from the legislative session and repeals Hawaii’s ban on electric guns for the public ― allowing them for self-defense, defending another person or protecting property. Hawaii News Now.

Case Draws Most Of His Campaign Cash From Special Interests
. Lobbyists and business interests continue to pump money into Hawaii Congressman Ed Case’s political campaign, according to his latest filings with the Federal Election Commission. Civil Beat.

Ige picks former Hawaiian Homes Commissioner to serve on Board of Land and Natural Resources. Gov. David Ige has nominated Doreen “Pua” Canto, who has served on a number of local boards and commissions, including the Hawaiian Homes Commission and the Maui Police Commission, to fill a vacant seat on the state’s Board of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Oahu

24 apply to be Honolulu Police Department chief, but names not made public. Twenty-four people applied to serve as Honolulu’s 12th police chief but the process is delayed by 30 days because not enough people applied to serve as the consultant to assist the Honolulu Police Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Taxpayers May Foot The Bill For Lawyers For Officers Charged In Sykap Shooting. Honolulu taxpayers could end up paying for the legal defense of three officers charged in an April shooting incident that ended with the death of 16-year-old Iremamber Sykap. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

City cites homeless project for lacking building permit.
The Department of Planning and Permitting issued a notice of violation against a church-backed foundation helping house the homeless by erecting 50 plastic storage sheds on a 4-acre Waianae farm. Star-Advertiser.

Council narrowly approves first steps for a new Chinatown fire station. In a 5-4 vote, the Council on Wednesday authorized the Honolulu Fire Department to adjust the Public Infrastructure Map adopted in 2017 by adding a fire symbol that is required for the Council to appropriate any funds for construction. Star-Advertiser.

Developers propose building a 15-story hotel in Chinatown. Developers are proposing to build a 15-story hotel in a Chinatown parking lot located on 120 Nimitz Highway. KHON2.

Measure introduced to remove Haiku Stairs. A measure introduced at the Honolulu City Council is calling for the removal of Haiku Stairs, which has been hotly debated for years over neighborhood disturbances and trespassing by hikers seeking to complete the illegal Stairway to Heaven hike. Star-Advertiser.

In big step for Aloha Stadium, Hawaii agency takes lead to develop ‘entertainment district’.
Gov. David Ige signed House Bill 1348, making the Aloha Stadium Authority Board the lead agency for development of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District — or NASED — project. Hawaii News Now.

State board rules against homeowners in Kakaako tower dispute. A state board has rejected a petition from owners of a moderate-priced Kakaako condominium tower to hold the developer of the 2-year-old building accountable for grossly underestimated maintenance fees. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii Island

Roth, others mulling options after passage of TAT bill.
HB 862 abolishes the allocation of statewide TAT revenues to the individual counties and instead allows them to establish their own taxes on accommodations at a rate of up to 3%. Tribune-Herald.

$25.5M for ADA compliance: County Council advances bond float. Required improvements at 10 county parks will likely continue, with a $25.5 million bond issue forwarded Wednesday by the County Council on an 8-0 vote. West Hawaii Today.

‘It’s disgusting’: Lawsuit alleges DOE, BOE and principal failed to protect female student. A Kona school principal, the state Department of Education and Board of Education are being sued for failing to protect a female student from repeated sex assault on a public school campus. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Gymnasiums Preparing to Reopen. The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation is preparing to reopen gymnasium facilities that have been closed for recreational use since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Proposed Amendments To Kahului Harbor Fisheries Area & Maui ‘Oama Rules. A statewide online public hearing will be held on proposed amendments of Hawai’i Administrative Rules relating to the Kahului Harbor Fisheries Management Area and rules regulating the take and possession of ‘oama on the island of Maui. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

State seeks information on vandalism of Maui petroglyphs estimated to be over 300 years old. Conservation officers are seeking information on those responsible for defacing a collection of petroglyphs on the face of a cliff in Olowalu Valley on Maui with a paintball gun, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauai

Dispute over public water rights on Kauai heads to state Supreme Court.
The state Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case over public water rights on Kauai. The case is over a dispute of a new 18-inch pipe proposed by the Kauai Department of Water, which would tap into the East Wailua Watershed. Hawaii News Now.

County deeds Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center to HHSC
. The title of the land where the Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center is has been formally offered to the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation by the county. Garden Island.

Waimea man opens home to Salt Pond residents. This week, Buna and wife Marcia Leialoha have taken in several families who were recently evicted from Salt Pond Beach Park with the closure of the county’s Shelter-In-Place program that allowed the houseless to set up camps during the pandemic. But this set-up may not last, either. Garden Island.

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Legislature overrides Ige vetoes, cuts tourist funding, counties' TAT share, 98% of COVID infections in unvaccinated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Hawaii House chambers

Lawmakers override Gov. David Ige, cut tourism funding. State legislators took out their frustrations about over-tourism by overriding Gov. David Ige’s veto of a bill that puts the fate of the Hawaii Tourism Authority in jeopardy. Lawmakers overrode five of the governor’s vetoes on Tuesday, including a bill that will require disclosure of COVID-19 cases in public schools. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Key senator, Lorraine Inouye, wants a woman to serve on state Land Board. Aside from Suzanne Case, who chairs the BLNR and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the board consists entirely of men, and state Sen. Lorraine Inouye (D, Kaupulehu-Waimea-North Hilo) said she wants a woman to fill one of the seats. Star-Advertiser.

Bankrupt Honolulu Charter Operator Faces Allegations Of Multimillion Dollar Fraud. Wing Spirit had donated $1 million in flights to support interisland travel for medical care during the pandemic, but filed for bankruptcy six months later. Civil Beat.

Metered parking no longer free for handicap placard holders. As of July 1, drivers who have the temporary red or long-term blue placards, as well as special license plates, will now have to pay the normal rate in metered street stalls. This is a result of a change in the Hawai’i Revised Statutes approved in 2019. Hawaii News Now.

Almost all of those contracting COVID in Hawaii now have one thing in common: They’re unvaccinated. According to Hilton Raethel, head of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, 98% of people diagnosed with COVID statewide over the past couple months haven’t gotten a COVID vaccine. Hawaii News Now.

New Federal Vaccination Data Boosts Hawai‘i Percentages. The addition of detailed information from the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program increases the percentage of residents who have initiated their vaccinations from 62.7% to 64.7%, a gain of 2%. It also drops slightly the number of residents who have completed their vaccinations from 58.3% to 58%, a loss of 0.3% Big Island Now. Maui Now.

39 new COVID cases reported
; no additional fatalities. The confirmed cases included: 27 on O‘ahu (+1 probable); three on Maui; two on Hawai‘i Island; one on Kaua‘i; and five in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Boom in Oahu’s housing market continued in June.
The Honolulu Board of Realtors said in report released Tuesday that the median sale price for single-family homes surged 27% to a rec­ord $979,000 last month, compared with $770,000 a year earlier. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Officers’ attorneys seek dismissal of charges in fatal shooting of teen. Attorneys representing three Honolulu police officers charged in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old Micronesian teenager who led police on a high-speed pursuit after a two-day crime spree are seeking to have the allegations dismissed. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Complaints Lead To Ouster Of Big Island Animal Control Contractor
. Hawaii Rainbow Rangers will be replaced by county officials after numerous allegations of mismanagement circulated on the island. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

4 HCCC Inmates Test Positive for COVID-19. Four out of 44 inmates at Hawai‘i Community Correctional Center recently tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, one out of 16 HCCC staff results was positive for COVID. Big Island Now.
 
Maui

Maui County looking at banning certain bodyboards. Councilmember Tamara Paltin, who introduced the legislation, is looking to ban cheaply made polystyrene made bodyboards from being sold or rented. KHON2.

Mayor: Additional Water Allocation to be Reserved for Development of Affordable Rentals, Attainable Workforce Housing. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino today announced his decision to reserve the balance of available water recently allocated to the County’s Department of Water by the Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resource Management to develop affordable rental units and attainable workforce homes for residents in Central and South Maui. Maui Now. KHON2.

Maui shuttle service aims to move tourists around while reducing cars on the road. The Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Hawaii Department of Transportation, the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau and Polynesian Adventure Tours have launched a shuttle service for tourists from the Kahului Airport to big resort areas like Kaanapali and Wailea. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kauai

Island to move to Tier 5, resort bubble program ends. As of Thursday, Tier 5 will allow gatherings of up to 75 people outdoors or 25 indoors. Restaurants, gyms, buses and attractions will be able to operate at 75% capacity. Garden Island. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Group: No hotel at Coco Palms site. Kaua‘i community residents have mobilized to protect the land of Coco Palms Resort against development as the property heads to auction later this month. Garden Island.

KPD, DLNR cite, eject remaining houseless. The Salt Pond Beach Park closed last Wednesday, June 30, signaling the end of the county’s Shelter-In-Place program that allowed the houseless community to live on county-owned beach properties throughout the coronavirus pandemic and have access to running water and electricity. Garden Island.


Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Hawaii Tourism Authority cuts jobs in reorganization, veto override session begins today, Native Hawaiians protest land rights, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Beachgoers view Diamond Head from Waikiki ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Tourism Authority reorganizes as politicians consider its fate. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has eliminated two high-profile positions under a reorganization that emphasizes destination management at a time when politics is about to decide the fate of the beleaguered agency. Star-Advertiser.

More than 138,000 people arrived in Hawaii over holiday weekend.
According to the state’s Safe Travels data, more than 138,000 people flew into the islands from July 1 to July 4. Of that total, more than 102,000 were here to vacation. KHON2.

Diamond Head, like many other sites, is slammed with tourists. So what can the state do? According to data provided by the state, more than 100,000 people flew to Hawaii over the July 4 holiday weekend. The state is now trying to figure out how to handle it all. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmakers to discuss possible overrides of governor’s vetoes. The governor opposes a bill to let the counties impose their own hotel room tax, but the senate president supports the bill, and thinks he might have the override votes. Hawaii News Now.

July 4 protest at state airport brings to light Native Hawaiian struggles over land rights. Traffic at the already congested state airports this July 4th slowed to a crawl Sunday due to a protest by native Hawaiians and advocates. Organizers said hundreds took part in a drive-by convoys at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and other airports around the state today. Hawaii News Now.

New Laws Protect Hawaiʻi Homes from Sea Level Rise. HB 243 requires state agencies to identify facilities that are susceptible to sea level rise and flooding. The second bill, SB 474, requires anyone selling a home to disclose if the property lies in a sea level rise exposure area. Hawaii Public Radio.

GoFarm Hawaii program helps people start careers in agriculture. GoFarm Hawaii is a statewide program working to enhance Hawaii’s food security and economy by increasing the number of sustainable ag producers. Tribune-Herald.

Activist, retired University of Hawaii professor Haunani-Kay Trask fought for Hawaiian rights, causes. Haunani-Kay Trask, a Hawaiian leader and sovereignty activist with a distinguished career as an academic at the University of Hawaii, died Saturday at age 71. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reports 48 new COVID cases and no new deaths. Of the new cases Monday, 34 were on Oahu, six on Hawaii Island, one on Maui, one on Kauai and six out of state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

State is increasing fees and not issuing new permits for Ala Wai harbor and the Keehi Lagoon Harbor. Now they fear that their live-aboard lifestyle could soon end, not just for them and their harbor neighbors, but for others, too. The state has allowed people to live on boats in only two state harbors — the Ala Wai harbor and the Keehi Lagoon Harbor — for the past 30 years. Star-Advertiser.

How Local Opposition Is Derailing Efforts To Develop Homeless And Housing Facilities. Projects aiming to provide housing or services to low-income residents are meeting resistance from communities that don’t want them in their neighborhoods. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Firm sued for alleged COVID-19 safety retaliation. A former employee of an Oahu dolphin tour company says she was fired in retaliation for urging the company to comply with COVID safety laws and protocols and is now suing the company and its owner, Richard Holland. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Resident pushes for popular beach entry to be opened to public. Kaalawai Place, a city public street — was barred by a locked gate. Residents of the block said the path was privately owned, with an easement for their exclusive use. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Energov a go: Officials confident in July 26 go-live date for paperless permits. The $2.5 million Energov program will integrate data from property records, zoning, critical habitat, infrastructure like sewer, contractor licenses, building and parcel designs and much more into a single cloud-based system that will allow inspectors from multiple departments to work on a permit application simultaneously, rather than shuffling paper from one desk to another. West Hawaii Today.

PISCES left in the lurch: Hilo-based program pau unless lawmakers save it.
Lawmakers are scrambling to restore funding for a state-run aerospace center after a clerical error left it out of the state budget. Tribune-Herald.

Rent relief program off to slow start: Only 423 applications approved, despite looming end of eviction moratorium. The program has $21.5 million available, which should be more than enough to meet the county’s unmet rent needs. Tribune-Herald.

Kaloko Heights sewer project back before County Council.
Developers of the 1,300-unit master-planned Kaloko Heights are choosing a less onerous pathway to finance a $22 million sewer line project, but taxpayers are still protected in the change from an improvement district to a facilities district, county officials said. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kahului airport over capacity, officials working to build new gate
. Officials say the airport is designed to handle around 7,000 to 8,000 incoming passengers a day.The DOT is working to build another gate at the airport to accommodate the record number of visitors. KITV4.

From beaches to businesses, crowds abound on Maui this holiday weekend.
Whether you were at the beach, at your favorite small business, or just cruising on the road, crowds seemed to be a common sight across the island. Hawaii News News.

University of Hawaii Maui College receives $2.4 million grant for Native Hawaiian culture-based STEM learning. The University of Hawaii Maui College will receive $2.4 million over two years to launch a learning project aimed at connecting Native Hawaiian youth and their families to STEM by “channeling their cultural relationship to the environment.” Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Lānaʻi Gym Building Improvements Underway. The Department of Parks and Recreation reports that the project includes roof replacement, wood repairs, lead paint abatement, and painting. Maui Now.

Kauai

Veteran Real Estate Broker Charts Kaua‘i's Housing Endgame, One Way Out. The average price of a home on Kaua‘i has gone up more than 40% in the past year. That’s according to Locations Hawaii who also says the average selling price in May was nearly $2.4 million. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaua‘i visitor numbers jumped over 1,000% since last year.
In May 2020, Kaua‘i only had 571 visitors. In May 2021, there were 73,018, according to a Hawai‘i Tourism Authority report. Garden Island.

Pop-up Hanapepe skatepark coming behind fire station. County officials and the Kaua‘i Skate ‘Ohana finalized plans for the installation of a new “pop-up” skatepark that will sit behind the Hanapepe Fire Station at the Hanapepe Town Park. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lānaʻi Gym Building Improvements Underway. The Department of Parks and Recreation reports that the project includes roof replacement, wood repairs, lead paint abatement, and painting. Maui Now.


Friday, July 2, 2021

Hawaii governor defends most restrictive COVID regulations in the nation, gas tops $4 a gallon, firearms bills signed into law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Kilauea volcano ©2021 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige defends most restrictive COVID regulations in U.S. Gov. David Ige on Thursday defended Hawaii’s COVID-19 rules, the most restrictive in the nation, saying that the Delta variant continues to spread among those who are not vaccinated and that he worries about a repeat of a Fourth of July 2020 spike in COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Gas Prices Climb Over $4 Per Gallon Heading into July 4th Holiday Weekend. Leading up to the July 4th holiday weekend, the average price for regular gas in Hawaiʻi climbed above $4 per gallon — the highest July 4th holiday gas prices since 2014, according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. Maui Now.

Firearm, kupuna safety bills become law. Two bills aimed at gun violence and a third that increases penalties for crimes against senior citizens became law Thursday with Gov. David Ige’s signature. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. KITV4.

Public Utilities Commission approves Microgrid tariff for Hawaii. The state Public Utilities Commission has approved a microgrid services tariff, offering Hawaiian Electric more ways to power its grid during an emergency. The approval was part of a two-year process following the state Legislature’s passage of a bill in 2018 that became Act 200, which directed the development of microgrids in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i to Receive Millions to Build Electric Bus Fleet. Millions of dollars in new federal money is heading to Hawai‘i’s neighbor islands to build up a cleaner system of public transportation. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Owners have reaped record prices for Hawaii oceanfront property in peril of being sucked into the sea. Property owners selling homes, hotels, condos and businesses along Hawaii’s coastlines must disclose whether the properties are susceptible to damage from sea level rise under legislation that’s set to take effect in May. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz: Congress Needs To Stop ‘Ignoring The Needs Of Native People’.
The Hawaii senator says Democrats have a unique opportunity to address centuries of racism, in part through funneling more resources to Indigenous communities. Civil Beat.

State investigates COVID clusters linked to places of worship in all but one county. Between Oahu, Maui and Kauai counties, there were 31 cases total linked to a place of worship. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii cluster report highlights COVID-19 transmission in home-based child care settings. The Hawaii Department of Health’s COVID-19 cluster report this week focuses on outbreaks found in child care settings, particularly home-based ones. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports an additional COVID fatality, 49 new cases. Of the new cases, 35 were on Oahu, seven were on Kauai, and two were on Hawaii Island. There were also five residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

OIP To Investigate HART For Possible Sunshine Law Violations. The state’s Office of Information Practices says it will investigate whether local officials overseeing Honolulu’s rail project violated the Sunshine Law when they discussed possibly hiring former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa as a consultant in private emails. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police officer who fatally shot Lindani Myeni faced drunk-driving, other charges in 2016. The Honolulu police officer who shot 29-year-old Lindani Myeni three times before activating his body-worn camera was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and fleeing the scene of an accident in 2016, charges that were later dismissed when witnesses did not show up in court to testify against him. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Plans To Increase Police Patrols To Improve Safety In Chinatown. The plan is to provide around-the-clock police coverage in the downtown district, but Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration gave few details. Civil Beat.

Thousands Of New Rooftop Solar Systems Could Be Going Up On Oahu. Regulators hope new incentives for rooftop solar and battery storage systems will help prevent a future energy shortage. Civil Beat.

TheBus Transitions to 'HOLO' Electronic Card System. As of Thursday, paper passes for Oʻahu’s public bus system are no longer available as TheBus transitions to the HOLO electronic fare card system. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Cargo plane crashes in Pacific Ocean off Hawaii; 2 rescued.
A cargo plane made an emergency landing in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii on Friday morning and both crew members on board have been rescued. KHON2.

Take two: Hawaii officials once again solicit bids to dispose of the historic Falls of Clyde
. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has once again put out a bid for the removal of the 142-year-old Falls of Clyde ship from Honolulu Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

No virus cases reported among HCCC inmates. All inmates at Hawaii Community Correctional Center are free of COVID-19, the state Department of Public Safety announced Thursday. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.

DOT investigates what caused 2 planes to collide at Kona Airport. The state Department of Transportation is investigating the cause of a collision involving two private jets on the Kona Airport tarmac Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Miss Aloha Hula competition kicks off return of Merrie Monarch Festival. The world’s biggest hula event was postponed in 2020 because of the pandemic for the first time in its history. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Five Democrats Vie For Hawaii House Seat Vacancy. The Democratic Party of Hawaii said Thursday it has received five completed applications from interested members who have met all qualifications to fill the vacant Hawaii House of Representatives District 13 seat. Civil Beat.

Proposals Seek Stronger Oversight Of Police On Maui. The Maui Charter Commission and the Maui Police Commission are both looking at ways to provide better accountability for police on the island. Civil Beat.

Shuttles help stranded visitors as summer tourism heats up.
This weekend, visitors to Maui will be able to use a new shuttle service from Kahului Airport to West Maui and Wailea called the Maui Aloha Shuttle. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

New Reservation System at Haleakalā Cabins “Booked Solid” Within Minutes. Outdoor enthusiasts hoping to reserve a wilderness cabin at Haleakalā National Park, found many slots were filled before the much anticipated reservation window was slated to open at 7 a.m. HST today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Coco Palms auction July 26. The historic Coco Palms Resort will be up for auction at a foreclosure sale later this month in “as-is” condition. Garden Island.

Spike in COVID cases worries DOH. Health officials are unsure if a spike in cases on Kaua‘i is linked to the delta variant of the coronavirus. Garden Island.